If the Geneva motor show has taught us one thing, it is that the car industry is undergoing some pivotal changes, not least of which is the VW Group’s attempts to position itself as a pioneer in electro-mobility - a subject a year ago it appeared none-too-ethusiastic about.

But in its rush to develop its own technologies beyond what its rivals are offering - not least of which the so-called 500km, 15-minute charge family car exclusively revealed by Autocar – I wonder if it isn’t missing a trick by simply turning to the company it keeps referencing as an inspiration in its new-found goals.

I refer, of course, to Tesla, which more than one VW executive, from CEO Matthias Müller down, has referenced in the past two days as an example of how to think quickly and act with decisiveness in the electric car market.

What form this could take is a moot point, however, so please forgive the total conjecture that follows.

Impending fines aside, it’s possible the VW Group could just buy Tesla and swallow it whole. Tesla's assets are said to be worth around £6bn, and its annual turnover around £2bn. VW's assets are said to be worth £200bn, and its annual profits around £7bn. The positive PR from the car industry’s most toxic brand buying its most evangelical one would cover a large proportion of the cost. But I find this unlikely.

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Better, surely, for the two sides to join forces in some kind of two-way equity deal? That way Elon Musk and his troops win on all fronts, gaining worldwide glory for leading VW to salvation and - perhaps most importantly - access to VW’s mass manufacturing facilities that might turbocharge its hopes of making its pioneering Model S, Model X and Model 3 at large enough profits to sustain growth in the company.

It would be a fine moment for Musk, too, who could cash in to some degree, all the while attaining even greater legendary status, not just as the most pioneering businessman of a generation, but also as an environmental visionary. Nor must it mean the end of his tenure at Tesla - some form of leadership role both there and steering VW’s strategy would surely reap dividends on both sides.

Meanwhile rather than Tesla, which let’s not forget has previously sold equity to Toyota and Mercedes (before they, in turn, sold out), take on the might of the established car makers alone, a deal with VW would give it stability and security at exactly the time it needs it, ahead of massive investment in technology and manufacturing plants. It's notable, too, that the US emissions authorities are already reported tohave suggested to VW that one route to semi-redemption (or at least avoiding some of the potential fine) is to build electric cars in the US.

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Huh? In what universe do you think it is possible to buy Tesla, or any other rapidly growing company, for its net book asset value? That is not how M&A works at all.

The market capitalisation of the company today is $24 billion and it has about $3billion in long term debt financing. The current enterprise value is therefore about $27 billion. The shareholders would require a minimum of a 50% control premium for the equity so VW would be looking at a bill of at least $40 billion.

That way Elon Musk and his troops win on all fronts, gaining worldwide glory for leading VW to salvation

Troops? VW doesn't need "salvation". Its research budget is more than any other company on Earth and not far off NASA's. It has a portfolio of gilt-edged luxury brands and genuine global reach. Frankly, it is difficult to see what Tesla could offer VW beyond its colossal state subsidy, which would rapidly evaporate if Tesla became German. Besides, if VW really thought the future was with battery prime-movers then it would go after Samsung instead.

They gave their patents away, and since a main part of their purpose is to shake and speed up the existing motor industry, I'm sure there is something in the VW empire that would be worthwhile to Tesla in exchange for some tech, even if that is just money.

VW now seems to operate according to a business model based on small incremental improvements.
It's hard to picture them displaying the kind of vision that characterises Toyota, let alone a Silicon Valley start-up.
For this reason alone, I find it unlikey that they would think of partnering with Tesla, but it's interesting to consider what they would do if they were such a company.

And by then it would be a moot point. The underlying system of any Elon Musk venture is his ego. He wants to prove he is the best in everything from cars, space craft, infrastructure, etc. Even if the market value is $40 billion he wouldn't sell as his ego is his biggest investment. Criticism rolls off of him and the media adulation continues unabated and that is all he wants or needs.